Search Results (652)

Early environmental conditions play a critical role in shaping fish physiology and behaviour, with tank colour emerging as a relevant yet often overlooked factor in aquaculture and experimental research. This study investigated how rearing tank colour affects larval performance in the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus. Larvae were reared in white, light-blue, or grey tanks, and survival, growth, pigmentation, sex ratio, skeletal development, and the endocrine responses of somatolactin (Sl) and growth hormone (Gh) were evaluated. Survival was significantly lower in white tanks. Conversely, larvae reared in white tanks reached a higher final body weight, while total length showed a similar but non-significant trend. Gh-immunoreactive cells exhibited significantly larger nuclear areas in larvae reared in white tanks and a tendency toward smaller cytoplasmic areas compared with those from light-blue tanks. Melanophore number did not differ among treatments, whereas larvae from grey tanks showed a higher number of Sl-immunoreactive cells. Sex ratios tended to be female-biased in white tanks. Skeletal development did not differ among tank colours and followed the expected chondrogenesis and ossification sequence. Overall, tank colour influenced multiple aspects of larval development, particularly survival, growth, and endocrine responses, underscoring its relevance in fish rearing and experimental design. Full article

Critical closing pressure (CCP) and the vascular waterfall have long been used to explain perfusion failure in shock, yet their physiological meaning has been inconsistently interpreted. CCP is frequently treated as a continuous downstream pressure and inserted into formulas such as mean arterial pressure (MAP) − CCP, implying that a collapse threshold behaves like an opposing pressure even when vessels remain open. Drawing on classical vascular mechanics, whole-bed flow studies, microvascular models, and contemporary clinical physiology, we show that this interpretation is incorrect. Tone-dependent arteriolar collapse does not behave as a Starling resistor: CCP is a threshold at which smooth-muscle tension exceeds intraluminal pressure and vessels close, not a pressure governing flow in patent vessels. Perfusion becomes heterogeneous because different vascular beds reach their collapse thresholds at different pressures (via excessive tone, extrinsic compression, or profound hypotension), disconnecting macro-haemodynamics from microcirculatory flow. This explains why systemic variables such as MAP and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) may appear adequate even while tissues are under-perfused, a phenomenon now termed haemodynamic incoherence. Reframing CCP as a binary collapse threshold resolves longstanding contradictions in the literature, clarifies why MAP-centred targets often fail, and unifies the behaviour of shock states within a four-interface model of circulatory coupling. Therapeutically, the aim is not to “restore a waterfall” but to reopen closed vascular territories by lowering excessive tone, relieving external pressure, or raising truly low arterial inflow. This mechanistic reinterpretation provides a more coherent, physiologically grounded approach to personalised perfusion management in critical illness. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a significant environmental stressor that exerts profound impacts on insect physiology, behaviour and survival. Although some insects can use UV light for spatial orientation and navigation, it can induce DNA damage, oxidative stress, and impair critical biological functions, ultimately reducing ecological fitness. Sclerodermus alternatusi Yang (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) is a dominant ectoparasitoid of the early instar larvae of Monochamus alternatus and plays a key role in the biological control of this pest in forestry systems; however, it faces intense UV exposure in the field environment. Despite its ecological importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying its responses to UV-induced stress remain poorly understood. In this study, newly emerged adult wasps (within 24 h post-eclosion) were exposed to UVA (365 nm) and UVC (253.7 nm) radiation for 9 h under controlled laboratory conditions. Total RNA was extracted from treated and control individuals for transcriptomic analysis using RNA-Seq. A total of 505 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified; gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that UVA exposure significantly upregulated genes involved in cellular respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting an enhanced metabolic response. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that UV stress modulates energy metabolism through the activation of oxidative phosphorylation and thermogenesis-related pathways, highlighting the reallocation of energy resources in response to UV-induced stress. To validate the RNA-Seq data, four representative DEGs were selected for quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. The qPCR results were consistent with the transcriptomic trends, confirming the reliability of the sequencing data. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular response mechanisms of S. alternatusi to UV stress, offering novel insights into its environmental adaptability and laying a theoretical foundation for its application in biological pest control under field conditions. Full article

Stress coping style (SCS) is crucial for animal welfare in the context of breeding. The link between behavioural traits and physiological responses to external stimuli is increasingly recognized and could orient the selection of appropriate SCSs for welfare-oriented breeding. This study aimed to evaluate how SCS influences the physiological responses of Sparus aurata, a widely used species in aquaculture, following Vibrio anguillarum stimulation. To this end, the serum protein electrophoretic profile, analysed by capillary electrophoresis, was used as an innovative parameter to assess physiological variations. S. aurata individuals were categorized into three SCS groups—bold, shy, and intermediate —based on a risk-taking test. Serum was collected at day 0 (pre-inactivated V. anguillarum inoculation) and at 30 and 60 days post-inoculation. Analyses revealed an increase in the β₂-globulin fraction, putatively associated with molecules involved in the physiological response following inactivated pathogen inoculation, accompanied by a decrease in the γ fraction over time. This trend was particularly pronounced in bold fish, while shy ones showed a similar but less marked pattern. Overall, the results suggest that proactive individuals exhibit a more marked physiological modulation to inactivated pathogen stimulation than reactive ones, highlighting modulation of serum protein electrophoresis as a sensitive bioindicator of physiological response in S. aurata. Full article

Early diagnosis of heat load in beef cattle remains a challenge due to the limited understanding of behaviour-based indicators. This preliminary longitudinal study aimed to validate behavioural and physiological responses previously identified as heat load indicators. Black Angus steers were exposed to high environmental temperatures expected to cause heat load in the following sequence: an initial thermoneutral period, a hot period, and a recovery period. Changes in the positioning of key body parts, feeding behaviour, body maintenance, respiratory dynamics, and eye temperature were monitored. In the hot period, cattle increased their respiration rate, panting, and infrared eye temperature. Increased stepping by their left limbs suggested involvement of the right brain hemisphere in a stress response to high environmental temperatures. Cattle also held their heads more downward, ears backward, and their tail vertical, and reduced eating, grooming, and scratching during the hot period. Cattle responses to hot conditions were persistent in the recovery period, reflecting diagnostic relevance of the head, ear, and tail movements, stepping, especially by left limbs, and infrared eye temperature as non-invasive tools to identify heat load condition in cattle. The study reinforces our understanding of the specific behavioural and physiological responses to heat load condition, especially those involving left-limb stepping, ear and tail posture, and infrared eye temperature, are reliable indicators for identifying cattle experiencing high environmental temperature. Full article

Modern lifestyles are increasingly plagued by physical inactivity, social disconnection, digital addiction, and excessive time indoors—factors that negatively impact the health and well-being of both humans and their companion dogs (Canis familiaris). Evidence shows that nature exposure, physical activity, and human–animal bond (HAB) each enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, yet these domains have rarely been examined together as an integrated therapeutic triad. We introduce a new conceptual framework of bonded green exercise, defined as shared physical activity between a bonded human and dog in natural environments. Synthesizing existing evidence across human and canine sciences into a testable conceptual integration, we posit that bonded green exercise may plausibly activate evolutionarily conserved, synergistic mechanisms of physiological, behavioural, and affective co-regulation. Four testable hypotheses are proposed: (H1) triadic synergy: combined domains produce greater benefits than additive effects; (H2) heterospecific benefit: parallel health gains occur in both species; (H3) behavioural amplification: dogs acts as catalysts to drive human participation in nature-based activity; and (H4) scalable health promotion: bonded green exercise represents a low-cost, accessible, One Health approach with population-level potential. This framework highlights how intentional, shared physical activity in nature may potentially offer a novel low-cost and accessible model for enhancing health, lifespan, welfare, and ecological stewardship across species. Full article

Communication in mammals constitutes a complex, multimodal system that integrates visual, acoustic, tactile, and chemical signals whose functions extend beyond simple information transfer to include the regulation of social relationships, coordination of behaviour, and expression of emotional states. This article examines the fundamental mechanisms of communication from biological, neuroethological, and behavioural perspectives, with particular emphasis on domesticated and farmed species. Analysis of sensory signals demonstrates that their perception and interpretation are closely linked to the physiology of sensory organs as well as to social experience and environmental context. In companion animals such as dogs and cats, domestication has significantly modified communicative repertoires ranging from the development of specialised facial musculature in dogs to adaptive diversification of vocalisations in cats. The neurobiological foundations of communication, including the activity of the amygdala, limbic structures, and mirror-neuron systems, provide evidence for homologous mechanisms of emotion recognition across species. The article also highlights the role of communication in shaping social structures and the influence of husbandry conditions on the behaviour of farm animals. In intensive production environments, acoustic, visual, and chemical signals are often shaped or distorted by crowding, noise, and chronic stress, with direct consequences for welfare. Furthermore, the growing importance of multimodal technologies such as Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) and Animal–Computer Interaction (ACI) is discussed, particularly their role in enabling objective monitoring of emotional states and behaviour and supporting individualised care. Overall, the analysis underscores that communication forms the foundation of social functioning in mammals, and that understanding this complexity is essential for ethology, animal welfare, training practices, and the design of modern technologies facilitating human–animal interaction. Full article

Drought stress and insecticide exposure are two significant environmental factors that can impact the physiology and behaviour of aphids, a major agricultural pest. An understanding of the mechanisms of green peach aphids’ response to insecticides under drought stress is a critical area of research that needs urgent attention. In view of this, we conducted this study to determine the impact of drought and insecticides on the activity of detoxification enzymes in green peach aphid. A 2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment involving two levels of water treatments (drought and no drought), two levels of aphids infestation (aphids and no aphids), and three levels of pesticides applications (thiacloprid, flonicamid and no pesticide) was conducted. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that there was a significant (p < 0.01) interaction effect of drought × insecticides on the green peach aphid performance under drought or no drought conditions. Generally, the highest aphids host acceptance, survival rate, colonization success, and average daily reproduction under drought and well-watered conditions occurred on flonicamid-treated plants, whereas thiacloprid-treated plants had the least. However, the thiacloprid-treated plants had higher photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, lower stomatal conductance, and decreased transpiration rate. Moreover, flonicamid treatment increased the accumulation of glutathione–S-transferase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, 1-napthyle acetate, and 1-napthyle butyrate activities in aphids, compared to the thiacloprid treatments. The thiacloprid pesticide, which demonstrated higher efficacy against green peach aphid, can be used in areas where green peach aphids and drought stress are major concerns. Full article

Researchers are increasingly engaged in studies to determine and correct negative welfare consequences of animal husbandry and behaviour modification procedures, not least in response to industries’ growing need to maintain their social licence through demonstrable welfare standards that address public expectations. To ensure that welfare recommendations are scientifically credible, the studies must be rigorously designed and conducted, and the data produced must be interpreted with full regard to conceptual, methodological, and experimental design limitations. This commentary provides guidance on these matters. In addition to, and complementary with, the ARRIVE guidelines that deal with animal studies in general, there is a need for additional specific advice on the design of studies directed at procedures that alter behaviour, whether through training, handling, or restraint. The COMPASS Guidelines offer clear direction for conducting welfare-focused behaviour modification research. They stand for the following: Controls and Calibration, emphasising rigorous design, baseline measures, equipment calibration, and replicability; Objectivity and Open data, ensuring transparency, validated tools, and data accessibility; Motivation and Methods, with a focus on learning theory, behavioural science, and evidence-based application of positive reinforcers and aversive stimuli; Precautions and Protocols, embedding the precautionary principle, minimising welfare harms, listing stop criteria, and using real-time monitoring; Animal-centred Assessment, with multimodal welfare evaluation, using physiological, behavioural, functional, and objective indicators; Study ethics and Standards, noting the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement), welfare endpoints, long-term effects, industry independence, and risk–benefit analysis; and Species-relevance and Scientific rigour, facilitating cross-species applicability with real-world relevance and robust methodology. To describe these guidelines, the current article is organised into seven major sections that outline detailed, point-by-point considerations for ethical and scientifically rigorous design. It concludes with a call for continuous improvement and collaboration. A major purpose is to assist animal ethics committees when considering the design of experiments. It is also anticipated that these Guidelines will assist reviewers and editorial teams in triaging manuscripts that report studies in this context. Full article

Biomolecule–photosensitizer conjugates have rapidly evolved into one of the most powerful strategies for improving the selectivity, efficacy, and translational potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT). By integrating photosensitizers (PSs) with carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, aptamers, proteins, cofactors, vitamins or antibodies, these constructs overcome long-standing limitations of classical PDT, including poor solubility, insufficient tumour accumulation, and strong dependence on oxygen availability. Beyond enhancing receptor-mediated uptake and enabling precise interactions with the tumour microenvironment (TME), bioconjugation also modulates aggregation, photochemical properties, intracellular accumulation, and immune system activation. A particularly transformative trend is the emergence of supramolecular architectures in which photosensitizers form defined nanostructured aggregates with peptides or proteins. Once considered an undesirable phenomenon, aggregation is now recognized as a tenable feature that governs photochemical behaviour. Engineered aggregates can undergo environment-triggered disassembly to monomeric, photoactive states, or operate as semiconductor-like nanodomains capable of Type I reaction through symmetry-breaking charge separation. This shift toward oxygen-independent radical pathways offers a promising solution to the challenge of hypoxia, a hallmark of the TME that severely compromises conventional Type II PDT. Parallel advances in 3D experimental platforms such as tumour organoids and organ-on-chip systems provide physiologically relevant validation of these conjugates, enabling the assessment of penetration, subcellular localization, immunogenic cell death, and therapeutic synergy within realistic TME conditions. Collectively, the integration of biomolecular targeting with controlled supramolecular design is redefining the landscape of PDT. Future progress will depend on designing conjugates that retain high activity under hypoxia, engineering dynamic aggregate states, and systematically validating these systems in advanced TME-mimetic models. Together, these developments position biomolecule–photosensitizer conjugates as a versatile and increasingly less oxygen-dependent class of next-generation phototherapeutic agents. Full article

Population ageing is one of the main demographic trends of modern Europe. It is a challenge for the whole economy, including the tourism industry. The specific needs of seniors, resulting from the processes of physiological ageing, require appropriate adaptation of tourism offers to their requirements. This is the only way to implement the principle of inclusivity that underpins sustainable tourism. This article discusses the results of research on the preferences and habits of older people with regard to tourist trips, taking into account psychological aspects. The research goal was to learn about seniors’ tourism activity and the factors hindering it, as well as to determine the relationship between tourism and seniors’ well-being. This article presents the results of the survey conducted in a sample of 209 seniors from the Polish city of Szczecin, with the use of Paper and Pen Personal Interview (PAPI) and Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) techniques. The results enabled the identification of the frequency and purposes of senior travel, as well as the factors and the extent to which participation in tourist trips was hindered. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of tourist trips on seniors’ well-being and overall mood. As a result of the conducted research, it was demonstrated that travelling constitutes a source of positive emotions for seniors. It was found that the tourism activity of this group declines with age, and the main factors limiting participation in tourism were poor health and insufficient financial resources. Among the primary barriers to travelling, respondents indicated long travel times and language obstacles. Overall, seniors exhibited an open attitude toward tourism, expressing a positive outlook on discovering new destinations and meeting new people. The adopted research framework assumes that psychological and organisational factors influence behavioural outcomes through mechanisms related to constraints and preferences. By incorporating organisational and psychological aspects, the obtained results contribute to filling the existing research gap. Such a broad research perspective, along with the conclusions drawn from the study, may also have practical implications. A senior-centric approach adopted by entities involved in developing tourism offers for seniors may contribute to reducing or even eliminating the barriers that members of this group currently face when participating in tourism activities. This entails both economic and social benefits and supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in the area of tourism. Full article

Vomiting, a key defence against accidentally ingested toxins, is widely present in mammals. Notably, rodents (e.g., rats, mice) are generally assumed to be unable to vomit, as commonly reported over the last ~100 years, but they are used extensively for biological and particularly biomedical research. However, three recent mouse papers reported ‘emetic-like’ responses induced by substances that are emetics in humans. Therefore, we critically re-examined the literature underpinning this longstanding view, integrating the recent and largely overlooked historical evidence challenging this consensus. We reappraise the ability of rodents to retch and vomit, concluding that whilst there is some published evidence for retching, the ability to vomit is unproven and for a range of physiological and anatomical reasons (e.g., organisation of the gastroesophageal anti-reflux barrier), it would be problematic. Experimentally testable hypotheses to explain the conflicting findings are proposed, together with criteria that should be fulfilled to define a behaviour as retching or vomiting in rodents. A detailed comparison is made of the physiological and anatomical differences between rodents and species known to vomit. We consider the significance of our conclusions for biomedical research, particularly in relation to the digestive tract and central nervous system, and the wider implications for rodent biology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thirst is a common and distressing symptom experienced by individuals undergoing hemodialysis. It can affect patients’ comfort, adherence to fluid restrictions, and overall quality of life. Understanding how patients perceive and cope with thirst is essential for developing evidence-based nursing interventions that enhance patient comfort and support adherence to care recommendations. Aim: To investigate the perceptions, experiences, and perceived factors related to thirst among hemodialysis patients using a mixed-methods design. Methods: This study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-method design. Quantitative data were obtained from 72 hemodialysis patients using the Thirst Discomfort Scale and a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 patients. Data were analysed using SPSS 23.0 for the quantitative phase and descriptive phenomenological analysis (Colaizzi’s method) for the qualitative phase to explore underlying perceptions and experiences. Results: Quantitative findings indicated substantial thirst discomfort, reflected by elevated Thirst Discomfort Scale and VAS scores. Qualitative findings highlighted persistent dry mouth, emotional distress, perceived loss of control, and coping strategies such as limiting fluids, distraction, oral rinsing, consuming cold items, and faith-based coping. On integration, qualitative narratives aligned with the high burden captured by quantitative scores, underscoring the multidimensional nature of thirst in hemodialysis. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that thirst in hemodialysis patients is a multidimensional experience encompassing physiological, psychological, and behavioural components. The findings highlight the need for individualised, holistic nursing approaches that extend beyond fluid restriction alone. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses should adopt holistic approaches addressing emotional and spiritual dimensions of thirst management, providing individualised education and psychosocial support. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important crop globally, being a starchy, energy-dense food source rich in several micronutrients and bioactive compounds. Achieving food security for everyone is highly challenging in the context of growing populations and climate change. As a highly adaptable crop, potatoes can significantly contribute to food security for vulnerable populations and have outstanding commercial relevance. Specific pre- and post-harvest parameters influence potato quality. It is vital to understand how these factors interact to shape potato quality, minimizing post-harvest losses, ensuring consumer safety, and enhancing marketability. This review highlights how pre-harvest (cultivation approaches, agronomic conditions, biotic and abiotic stresses) and post-harvest factors impact tuber’s microbial stability, physiological behaviour, nutritional, functional attributes and frying quality. Quality parameters, such as moisture content, dry matter, starch, sugar, protein, antioxidants, and color, are typically measured using both traditional and modern assessment methods. However, advanced non-destructive techniques, such as imaging and spectroscopy, enable rapid, high-throughput quality inspection from the field to storage. This review integrates recent advancements and specific findings to identify factors that contribute to substantial quality degradation or enhancement, as well as current challenges. It also examines how pre- and post-harvest factors collectively impact potato quality. It proposes future directions for quality maintenance and enhancement across the field and storage, highlighting research gaps in the pre- and post-harvest linkage. Full article

Caffeine (CAF), a prevalent psychoactive compound, has been identified as a significant environmental pollutant in freshwater ecosystems. This study investigates the behavioral and physiological effects of CAF at environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 5, 30, and 50 µg/L) on the freshwater snail Physella acuta, with a focus on both adult and embryonic responses. Adult snails were evaluated for alterations in speed, exploration, overall activity levels, and feeding behaviors, while embryos were assessed for heart rate and developmental changes. The study encompassed both short-term (24 h) and mid-term (7 days) exposure periods. Low CAF concentrations (5 and 30 µg/L) were found to enhance adult movement and exploratory behavior in the short term, whereas prolonged exposure resulted in a decline in these behaviors. A high CAF concentration (50 µg/L) consistently diminished movement and feeding in adults. Embryos exhibited a dose-dependent increase in heart rate and manifested malformations at elevated concentrations. These findings provide insights into the impact of CAF on freshwater invertebrates and contribute valuable data for ecological risk assessment. Full article